Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Types of Research
Goal-achievement research tends to be general. The long-range goal may be soci-
etal such as an end to global warming or the eradication of unsafe foods, basic such
as a mechanism for lipid oxidation or ethylene biosynthesis, or applied such as
development of a heart-healthy line of food products or the elucidation of tomato
flavor. Individual goals may be a small part of a larger goal. This type of research
usually must be coordinated with others.
Most research involves problem solving. This type of research tends to be
specific. Basic problem-solving research is not tied to a practical application, while
applied problem solving is conducted with a practical objective in mind. The prob-
lems solved in this type of research may be externally directed by company manage-
ment, the granting agency, or the thought collective of scientists working in this area
who have control over grant funding and research publications. Other problems are
defined by individual scientists who then sell the idea to the funding body. Problems
may be long term such as minimizing ground-beef outbreaks or short term such as
preventing fresh juice from spoiling. The problem may be immediate or part of a
broader context.
Another type of research involves methods development. Methods may encom-
pass analytical procedures, processing parameters, or an understanding of systems.
Methods research can be a means to an end. Investigators may find that they cannot
conduct the necessary research until a specific form of measurement is designed.
Other investigators are methods specialists who design new methods as their contri-
bution to science. In general, methods specialists are not considered as prestigious
as problem solvers, unless the method(s) they develop revolutionize the field.
Process optimization improves efficiency in food manufacturing, analytical meth-
ods, human activity systems, and quality systems. Model building is used to help
optimize processes. These models may be physical, mathematical, or theoretical.
A deeper understanding of our world comes from basic research. At it is most
basic, it is science for science's sake. The public understands the benefits of highly
applied research but may think basic work is meaningless. Applied scientists need a
reservoir of basic research to solve practical problems. Very little applied research
would be conducted without that basic reservoir. Likewise, companies and govern-
ments would be unlikely to fund basic research if they did not derive benefits from
applied projects. While frequently considered competitors for scarce research funds,
basic and applied scientists work synergistically to advance knowledge. In general,
basic scientists tend to have the highest status among scientists.
The dividing line between basic and applied research is frequently blurred. What
is typically considered basic research in food science would be considered applied
research by a chemist or microbiologist. Louis Pasteur introduced a hybrid of basic
and applied research referred to as use-inspired research (Stokes,
1997
) . Practical
problems led Pasteur to plunge in depth to the basic aspects of the problem. Basic
research can then lead to different approaches to practical problems.
